A few months ago, I discovered a small puddle creeping along the corner of our basement. Since it’s small, I told myself that there’s nothing to be worried about.
Unfortunately, the musty smell rolled in, boxes turned soggy, and even our cat didn’t want to go downstairs. What looked like a harmless puddle turned into a big basement problem.
Not wanting to experience that again, I got into work. I scoured London to look for the best waterproofing companies and even talked to other homeowners to make sure I only chose pros who knew what they were doing.
After much research, these London basement waterproofing companies stood out. They might be the best pros to call when your basement is starting to look like a small swimming pool!
How much does basement waterproofing cost in London?
Basement waterproofing in London can cost between £100 and £120 per square metre, depending on the size, complexity, and chosen waterproofing method.
How I chose the best basement waterproofing services in London
- Service quality: I talked to previous clients and chose companies they said kept their basements leak-free after the basement waterproofing was done.
- Value for money: I picked those that deliver quality basement waterproofing and other services at a reasonable and affordable cost.
- Customer service quality: I selected businesses that respond quickly to email queries and answer calls fast. I also considered how they handle customers and ensured all companies on this list have well-mannered staff.
- Range of services offered: I opted for companies with a wide range of services, aside from basement waterproofing. These other services could be conversions, treatments, and more.
- Waterproofing processes: I chose businesses that can effectively apply at least one waterproofing system, with some even utilising more than one waterproofing system.
1. OBS Basements
Address: 3rd Floor, 86 – 90 Paul St
Phone: +44 7594 954319
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 6:30 AM – 6 PM
- Sat: 7 PM – 6 PM
It’s a green flag for me that OBS Basements uses tanking slurry for all their projects. Tanking slurry is a known effective material in blocking water ingress, keeping your basement completely dry even during heavy rainfall.
What I like about this waterproofing technique is that it involves creating an internal barrier that stops water from entering the basement.
Aside from basement tanking, they also do cellar tanking. They can help you salvage your below-ground-level storage with a coating that ensures water will not be able to reclaim it again.
Most importantly, what drove me to put them on this list is their extensive portfolio gallery. It showcases the various excellent projects they took on in areas like Beckenham, Fulham, and many more.
However, I noticed that they have a relatively limited service. Aside from basement conversion services, they don’t have other services outside of basement waterproofing.
Fantastic from start to finish
“OBS were fantastic from start to finish. They were able to begin work within a couple of weeks from our first meeting. They quoted an overall fee which covered everything, so no hidden extras! It was also clearly itemised, so the billing was just very transparent and stress-free. They organised every aspect of the project, including getting the steel frame fabricated, the skip, the electrician, deliveries, and various other moving parts. The workers were professional, skilled, on time, friendly, and flexible. The overall quality of work and customer service was fantastic. We also felt like we got good value for money. We would highly recommend OBS to anyone renovating their basement.”
-James Smith, Google Review
Hardworking, friendly, and accommodating
“I have used OBS to carry out two basements for me in the last 5 years and have found them to be very hard working, friendly and accommodating on both jobs. David (business manager) is a pleasure to work with and Kendall (business owner) makes sure he is in regular contact to check in that everything is going OK. The guys on site bend over backwards to be helpful. Through no fault of theirs the first job ran into difficulties when the main contractor left site, but they carried on regardless to deliver their portion of work on budget and on time. Thank you very much Kendall, David and all the team. I hope to use them again in years to come.”
-Andrew Dangerfield, Google Review
2. Universal Basement Waterproofing Ltd
Address: Kemp House, 152 – 160 City House
Phone: +44 20 3795 4901
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 8:30 PM – 5 PM
I was very impressed when I discovered that Universal Basement Waterproofing has been in the industry for over five decades. Lasting this long means they always deliver every time they take on a project. Because if they don’t, they’re long gone!
I love their extensive structural waterproofing services. They can waterproof any type of below-ground structure you can think of. For example, they can effectively waterproof your underground parking garage.
I also love that they can apply the three waterproofing systems in their projects, so they’re prepared to solve almost all kinds of basement problems with the right solution.
What I love most is that they use various waterproofing products. They have different Delta Membranes, Sika, and Koster waterproofing materials. These companies have a great reputation in the industry, so you can trust the quality of their products.
The only weak point I can think of about them is they don’t offer a free quote. It might discourage some potential clients from availing of their services.
Highly recommended
“I had my basement waterproofed by Universal Basement Waterproofing Ltd, and I’m beyond impressed with their service. From start to finish, the team was professional, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. They diagnosed the issues quickly and provided a clear, no nonsense plan for the work. Everything was completed on time and the results speak for themselves. No more damp or leaks, just a dry and usable space! The quality of workmanship is excellent and their attention to detail was exceptional. If you need reliable basement waterproofing, these guys are the real deal. Highly recommended!”
-Jordan Hall, Google Review
Really professional
“Work was fully tanking the underside of an external stair case where water was literally pouring through into what would be my kitchen every time it rained. Time was critical as no other building work could be carried out on my renovation project until the water was stopped. Stan and team were really professional with both the survey and the work itself and it was carried out really quickly. Pricing was competitive and there’s been so sign of damp at all since the work was completed over two years ago…very happy customer!”
-Bryony, Google Review
3. ABS Basement Systems
Address: Handel House, 95 High St, Edgware
Phone: +44 20 8088 4816
Business hours:
- Mon-Sat: 9 AM – 6 PM
As a family-owned business, ABS Basement Systems offers personalised services. This has helped them build long-lasting business relationships with their clients.
Their proficiency in basement tanking is a plus for me. Some of their former clients that I spoke to said that they’re great at using this technique. Some of them even told me that they recommended them to their friends because they were satisfied with the results.
Additionally, I appreciate that they advise their clients about planning and building regulations. Their surveyor will advise you on the planning approvals you need to obtain once they know your plans for your basement.
Lastly, I love that they’re one call away even outside their operating hours. They’re available on Sundays for a reasonable additional cost.
That said, as a family-owned business, they have a relatively small team. This might cause a delay in their service during peak season.
They are so skilled
“We were having issues with our basement and sump pump which no one seemed to be able to find an explanation for, until David came to visit. He got back to me quickly, was confident in his assessment and put our minds at ease. His team who came to do the work are a credit to him. Happy to answer any questions we had and very professional. They are so skilled and we were so impressed by the speed and quality of their work. Would recommend them to anyone and won’t be going to anyone else when our sump pump needs servicing.”
-Alex Bohan Petts, Google Review
Friendly, polite, and professional at all times
“ABS Basement Systems did our basement tanking over three rooms including the floor in one room. We felt the cost was very reasonable and they were friendly, polite and professional at all times. We were very impressed with how thorough and careful they were. They arrived on time, worked hard and cleaned up after each day. They explained everything they were doing, took all rubbish away, and we would definitely use them again or recommend them.”
-Georgia Thorp, Google Review
4. Refresh Property Services & Consultants
Address: Churchill House, 120 Bunns Ln
Phone: +44 20 8959 6424
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 9 AM – 6 PM
Refresh Property Services & Consultants is another business on my list that ticks off the longevity box. They’ve been providing basement waterproofing and other below-ground-level structure services for over three decades.
What’s great is that they don’t just serve the London area (specifically Greater London), but also extend their services to the South East UK. They’re the only company on my list that has a service area this wide.
When it comes to basement waterproofing, they can utilise three waterproofing systems. With their number of years in the industry, you can guarantee a quality service that will not leave you stressed again when a few months pass.
If you’re planning to buy a new home, you can avail of their homebuyer damp survey service. This will help you determine if the property you want to own has a major moisture problem.
However, what I don’t like is their comparatively slow issuance of survey results. You can get the survey results for a week.
Highly recommend their work
“Andy conducted a damp survey and installed a damp proof membrane system in a Victorian basement flat. During the survey Andy made efforts to effectively explain the issues and outline the options available to us. We then used Refresh to install the membrane system. Andy’s team were flexible when the installation time changed at the last minute. During installation they completed the work on time. The membrane system they installed works perfectly and has resolved all damp issues following installation. It is also covered by a long term guarantee. I would highly recommend Refresh for this kind of work.”
-Matthew Williams, Google Review
It was worth every penny
“This is the first time I am giving a 5 star review for not having any work done! 🙂 I booked Andy to give us a condensation survey as we have bad condensation problems throughout the house (3 bed mid terrace). He got there on time and was very polite and knowledgeable. After looking around we sat down and he explained the science and situation. He gave me 3 practical things I can do to solve the problem, non of those included hiring him. His surveys cost a nominal fee which you would get back if you do hire him, but I can confidently say, as someone who got the survey and will not be needing him, that it was worth every penny. I feel like I understand a lot more now, I know my options, and feel confidant going forward. So refreshing to have someone who knows what they are on about and is not doing any ‘hard sell’, and is just there to help you out.”
-Yael Biran, Google Review
5. London PDP
Address: 115 Grove Rd, Bow
Phone: +44 20 8980 7221
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
I appreciate that London PDP provides services to both residential and commercial properties. This makes them your one-stop shop for your house and warehouse basement problems.
I also appreciate that they can do any below-ground-level structural waterproofing. Combined with the range of establishments they service, this means they can do almost all types of basement waterproofing.
What’s great is that they offer solutions to your problems, regardless of whether you have a small, medium, or large-sized basement.
Last but not least, I love their wood preservation services. They can effectively get rid of any kind of insect in your wood structures. Aside from that, they can also eliminate fungi in timber.
The only catch is that they’re comparatively new in this industry. This might leave doubts in people’s minds about the quality of their service.
Adrian did a good job
“Adrian took the time to talk through my ongoing nightmare following a massive leak. Finally I felt like I had found someone who really did know everything about damp. I have spoken to many ‘surveyor’s’ who don’t know more than how to read a damp meter. He gave me sound advice for general damp issues, and wrote an email to my insurance company to help me start to unpick the giant mess following the failed drying post-leak. He did all of this just to be helpful, not because I was a paying client, I wasn’t, just because I phoned and he could help. I am so hugely appreciative, and hope many more people find Adrian and can utilise his practical and extensive knowledge.”
-Lesa Clayden, Google Review
Adrian was brilliant
“Adrian was brilliant. I was quite overwhelmed by the damp situation in my flat and had spoken to several trades people prior to contacting PDP who had quoted me thousands in repairs. Adrian, however, was so reassuring and helpful. He came to survey the flat and noticed the problem straight away, something other tradesmen hadn’t. It was a much more basic fix than I’d been told before so I was thrilled. Would thoroughly recommend Adrian and PDP for anyone stressed by issues surrounding damp in the home and in need of someone friendly to assist!”
-Molly Graham, Google Review
